Do the Discount Deal

One of the best deals in snowboarding is the newbie package. (In the business, first-timers are often called “never-evers.”) Whether it is called Get Hooked, Beginner’s Magic, Learn to Ride, or something else, the idea is the same: give new snowboarders a three-fold package of snowboarding gear rental (boots, binding, board), a lift ticket, and a group lesson. It’s common for the package to be spread out over two or three different sessions, meaning that you don’t have to conquer everything in one day.

The package price is better than what you would get by purchasing all three items separately, often, better than purchasing just two of the items on separate days.

For example, the “Beginner’s Magic” program in Aspen gives you three days of tickets, equipment, and instruction, for $339. If you bought those items separately, the cost would be $675.

If you simply bought tickets and rentals, the cost would be $338, if you purchase at peak times.

For the fee of $1, you get some great instruction.

Similar deals can be found elsewhere. At Wild Mountain, in Minnesota, a $99 “get hooked” package gives you rentals, tickets, and instruction for 3 days. Purchase tickets and rentals alone, and that sets you back $186.

Much like retail stores sell loss-leaders in hopes of getting you through the door to buy something else, ski areas offer deeply discounted packages to newbies in hopes of creating lifelong customers.

It worked with me. It might work for you, too.